What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
We only do trips of 10 miles at a time - should we avoid buying a diesel car?
Our 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is tired and we fancy a Mercedes-Benz ML-Class 3.0. We're wary of diesels because we only do trips of about 10 miles. Should we be wary? If so, what's a good petrol alternative?
Asked on 10 April 2018 by Dave Gittins
Answered by
Honest John
Yes, an ML-Class diesel would be plain daft for that type of use. And, of course, isn't EU6. Because before the demonisation of diesel and before EU6, diesels made more sense than petrols for big SUVs because they made the fuel costs affordable, that's why almost all of them were diesel. The tide is only just turning and manufacturers are only just starting to install petrol engines and petrol hybrid drivetrains in SUVs. Your best bet is probably a RAV4 hybrid, an RX450h or an Outlander PHEV.
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.
Similar questions
I really want to buy a hybrid car, but cannot find an estate type vehicle under £23,000 allowing enough room for my dog to be placed in the boot. I'm therefore resorting to a diesel SUV. Please can you...
Car manufacturers are continuing to manufacture diesel cars despite all the adverse publicity about diesel. Nearly all motoring websites continue to recommend diesel as the best buy in versions of automatic,...
Four years ago you suggested looking at an Audi A7 BiTDI. I've loved the car and managed to find a 15 month old SE with tech pack, comfortable seats, rear a/c, etc. It's now done 36,000 miles (25,000 with...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
More spacious and economical than before. High quality and comfortable interior. Great motorway cruiser. Impressive refinement.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Practical with a good boot and plenty of rear leg room. 2.5 hybrid with 2WD or 4WD available. Five year warranty. Proving very reliable.
Cheap to run if you can charge at home and don’t do many miles. Masses of space. Significantly improved for 2019.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Impressively comfortable ride, really solidly built, Lexus has an impeccable reliability record.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
